ACE2010 : Current Trends in Agricultural Markets
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Mr Simon Parker
- Other Staff: Mr Karl Christensen, Dr Jeremy Robert Franks, Dr Paul Bilsborrow, Dr Jonathan Guy
- Visiting Lecturer: Mr James Standen
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To provide an understanding of the special characteristics of the marketing of agricultural products in a UK context. The module begins with an overview of the subject of marketing and identifies why the subjects have progressed along different paths. The main UK agricultural products sections are then considered in depth.
Outline Of Syllabus
Introduction to the module
Marketing principles and special characteristics of the marketing of agricultural products.
The Food Consumer
Factors affecting the behaviour of food consumers; changing patterns of demand for food products in the UK; consumer attitudes to food safety.
Livestock (red meat) Marketing
Covering the UK marketing system; trends in production and consumption; auction markets and electronic marketing; role of the MLC; and impact of current issues (BSE and Foot & Mouth); the role of UK marketing agencies (AHDB/EBLEX/BPEX).
Cereals Marketing
Covering the UK cereals marketing system; trends in production, consumption and trade; impact of EU cereals regime; the use of futures contracts; and the role of the Home Grown Cereals Authority.
Milk Marketing
Covering the changing structure of Milk Markets; the role of co-operatives and the impact of EU Dairy Policy.
Sugar Beet and Potatoes
Including contracts, grading and impact of EU Sugar Regime
Oilseeds and Pigment
Including farm assurance schemes
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 20 | 2:00 | 40:00 | Online lecture material delivered via Canvas |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 14:00 | 14:00 | Revision and completion of computer assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Simulation Exercise |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introduction to the commodity simulator and launch of the coursework assignment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Research the variables that cause fluctuation in commodity values |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 10 | 0:30 | 5:00 | Tutorial and seminar opportunities to discuss significant variance in the market forces |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Background reading for lecture preparation. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The specialist nature of much of the material makes it appropriate for this to be a lecture-based module with contributions from staff with experience of work, related to the different commodity sectors. Linked to Intended Knowledge Outcomes 1,2,3 and Intended Learning Outcome 2.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 60 | Simulation Exercise |
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | 40 | Short answer questions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The computer assessment is designed to assess the students' knowledge of UK agricultural commodity marketing channels, and their awareness of the special aspects of the marketing of these commodities.
The simulation exercise allows student's to demonstrate their understanding and practice trading agricultural commodity in a real time circumstance.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ACE2010's Timetable